Veteran officer and paracounsellor DAC Bridget Goh on the vital importance of supporting fellow officers on their policing journey.
By: Mike Tan
“I wanted to become a Police officer because it suited my personality; the Force is a disciplined organisation with clear rules, and I like the regimental life!” – so says Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Bridget Goh.
Having joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 1991, the veteran officer has spent much of her career as a member of the Force’s training fraternity. Over the decades, she has honed her leadership skills in postings with Ang Mo Kio Police Division, the Criminal Investigation Department, Training Command (TRACOM), Special Operations Command (SOC), Operations Department, Airport Police Division (APD) and, most recently, with the Centre for Protective Security (CPS).
But it isn’t only her commitment to policing that defines DAC Goh; she has also served as a paracounsellor since 2005, offering stalwart support to the SPF Paracounselling Programme. On 15 February 2024, DAC Goh received the Outstanding Contribution Award from the Police Psychological Services Department (PPSD) in recognition of her efforts as a paracounsellor. This was the first time that the Award had been given. She shares how she came to embrace the importance of “ensuring the well-being of officers and supporting them on their policing journey.”
Why did you want to become a Police officer, and what do you love about your work?
My interest began when I was in the National Police Cadet Corps as a secondary student and during my university days. I wanted to become a Police officer because it suited my personality; the Force is a disciplined organisation with clear rules, and I like the regimental life!
What does your current work at the CPS involve?
I joined the CPS in 2022 and am responsible for managing the Threat-Oriented Person Screening Integrated System (TOPSIS) and red-teaming programmes at our border checkpoints, as well as the implementation and expansion of TOPSIS and red-teaming programmes for homefront agencies. What I love about all my roles over the decades is that I can contribute to Singapore’s safety and security, and the sense of purpose I get from making a positive impact on my community.
Tell us about your duties as a paracounsellor.
I first became a paracounsellor in 2005 when I was Head of Training at the SOC as I wanted to help our officers and trainees navigate the challenges they were facing. As supervisors and paracounsellors, we want to offer a listening ear, show empathy, respect boundaries and help them understand how they can help themselves.
In 2017, during my posting as Head of the Security Regulatory Branch at the APD, I was appointed a paracounsellor Team Leader. For this role, I led the training of APD paracounsellors, provided them with guidance and assigned cases.
Share a meaningful experience from your work as a paracounsellor.
I recall a trainee at TRACOM who was undergoing his Ground Response Force training. There was much to learn, much to do, and he was struggling. His parents were also concerned about whether he should continue.
As paracounsellors, we understand both the professional and personal aspects of the lives of our fellow officers. This allows us to provide context-specific support and guidance. I found the trainee to be a good officer and that there were grounds to help him stay focused on what he’d set out to do from the beginning.
Through regular sessions with him, I was able to help him persevere and successfully complete his training. I still see him from time to time; he’s doing well in the Force and finds much meaning in his work.
Over the years, I’ve also volunteered to man the 24/7 PPSD Care Helpline, taken part in paracounsellor selection and training courses, events and activities, as well as organised the SPF Paracounsellor 20th anniversary event. I know many of the PPSD’s team members from the early days, like Dr Majeed Khader, Chief Psychologist, Ministry of Home Affairs; and Mr Jansen Ang, Director, PPSD. I can see how cohesive the team is and how the SPF Paracounselling Programme has grown. It’s about ensuring the well-being of officers and supporting them on their policing journey.
How do you feel about being the first recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award from the PPSD?
I was pleasantly surprised and feel very honoured. It’s nice to know that I was able to contribute, and I’m thankful for this recognition.
SPF Paracounsellors’ Appointment and Awards Ceremony
On 15 February 2024, the PPSD and SPF Paracounselling Committee (ParaComm) held its annual SPF Paracounsellors’ Appointment and Awards Ceremony. At the Ceremony, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Policy) Jerry See presented appointment certificates to newly appointed paracounsellors, senior paracounsellors, unit paracounsellor Team Leaders and ParaComm Subcommittee heads. At the close of the Ceremony, paracounsellors who were present stood to take the Paracounsellor Pledge, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to their mission and cause.
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